Cadbury Cuts Water Use 10 Percent

Cadbury Cuts Water Use 10 Percent

Though its water conservation strategy is still in the early stages of development, Cadbury cut its water use 10 percent last year compared to 2006.

The United Kingdom-based candy maker trimmed energy use, too, and appears to be on track to meet a 2020 carbon dioxide emissions reduction goal.

The company disclosed these details in its recent 2006/2007 Corporate Responsibility Report released Friday. Cadbury also highlighted the challenges it faces trying to implement a sustainability strategy across its operations that span continents.

It plans to put in place water reduction plans at all of its global sites deemed "water scarce." Several Asia and Pacific manufacturing facilities have already set water neutrality goals, which they'll reach for by carefully managing and reducing water use, and treating and capturing waste water. By 2020, the company hopes to reduce its water use 20 percent.

The company reduced carbon dioxide emissions 3.6 percent below 2006 levels in 2007. But the 818,686 tons of emissions in 2007 were actually slightly higher than 2005 levels. Cadbury predicts it will reduce emissions 10 percent by 2010, and plans to slash absolute emissions in half by 2020, with at least 30 percent coming from in-house actions.

One of the more challenging environmental goals involves packaging, which must keep products fresh and safe. The company has tested several packaging materials in an effort to cut total consumption, including a new range of Easter Eggs wrapped only in foil without a cardboard box. Cadbury wants to reduce product packaging 10 percent per tonne of product, and by 25 percent for seasonal products.

The company also worked with the Carbon Trust to measure the carbon footprint of its Cadbury Dairy Milk candy bar supply chain, and is expanding the approach to other products.

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